PhD in Beam Damage Limits in Transmission Electron Microscopy University of Antwerp, Faculty of Science

The EMAT research group at the Faculty of Science (University of Antwerp) is seeking to fill one

PhD position in the area of smart strategies to break the beam damage limits in transmission electron microscopy

under the supervision of Prof Sandra Van Aert and Prof Jo Verbeeck.

The main goal of the project is to develop and apply smart strategies, which are dedicated to characterize beam-sensitive nanostructures using quantitative scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) imaging. This will allow one to use a minimum electron dose to detect single atoms, to determine their atom types and to precisely measure positions of atoms. In this manner, beam damage will be drastically reduced or will even be ruled out completely. The project will focus on the development of novel theoretical methods to optimize the shape of the incoming electron probe and the probe scanning strategy, to experimentally realize the predicted designs and to apply the methods to challenging and relevant beam-sensitive nanostructures.

Job description

Depending on your interest, the focus of your project will be on the theoretical prediction of the optimal probe shape and scanning strategy or the experimental realisation using aberration corrected STEM.

The PhD candidate prepares a doctoral thesis in the field of sciences.

You are enthusiastic and greatly interested in electron microscopy and materials science.

You publish scientific articles related to the research project of the assignment.

You present your work at national and international workshops and conferences.

Profile and requirements

The PhD candidate holds a master degree with a background in e.g. physics, mathematics, materials science or transmission electron microscopy.

You are enthusiastic and greatly interested in the quantitative analysis of electron microscopy data.

You can submit outstanding academic results.

You are highly motivated, quality-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative.

We offer

a doctoral scholarship for a period of 1 year, renewable for 3 years after positive evaluation;

an exciting project in which we will aim to go significantly beyond the state-of-the-art;

a competitive salary;

enrolment will start as soon as possible;

a world-class, dynamic and stimulating work environment with state-of-the-art instrumentation and computing facilities (see also http://www.emat.uantwerpen.be/).

How to apply?

Please submit your application (motivation letter, CV, summary of Master thesis, and names of 2 professional referees) by email at lucian.covaci@uantwerpen.be. Please mention the keyword "SmartTEMStrategies" in the email subject. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2018.

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